Elena Rybakina made an excellent start to 2024. She won two titles and reached five finals by the end of April, including at the Miami Open. That meant that hopes were high for her as she headed into the second half of the season. Unfortunately, the 2022 Wimbledon champion has endured a difficult few months. That has continued after she withdrew from the US Open hours before her scheduled second-round match against Jessika Ponchet.
Elena Rybakina Withdraws From US Open
After reaching the semifinal, Rybakina was an overwhelming favorite to win Wimbledon. She played excellent tennis in her opening five matches at SW19. However, she suffered a surprising defeat to the eventual champion, Barbora Krejcikova, and she has had issues since then. The Kazakhstani had to withdraw from the Olympics because she got bronchitis. Competing at the Games at Roland-Garros was a primary goal for her before 2024 began, and she apologized to the Kazakh fans for being unable to play.
She made her return at the Cincinnati Open but lost to Leylah Fernandez after holding match points. The world No. 4 did not look like herself throughout that contest, and some questioned whether she would be able to compete at the US Open. Then, just days before the year’s final Grand Slam began, Rybakina split with her longtime coach Stefano Vukov. Tennis fans were stunned by that sudden precision, and Rybakina did not explain the reasons for the split.
The former Wimbledon champion won her opening match at the US Open against Destanee Aiava 6-1 7-6. Although she was not her vintage best, Rybakina seemed healthy during the match. That is why her sudden decision to withdraw from the US Open is surprising. No official reason has been given yet for her decision. Hopefully, it is nothing serious, and she will get healthy again for the rest of the season.
(Update 5:36PM: Rybakina confirmed that she withdrew because of her injuries but hoped to be able to finish the rest of the year strongly.)
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
